Berlin, the capital of Germany is a top tourist destination. Many airlines use the Airport of Berlin, but it is possible to take a flight to Frankfurt/ Main as well and drive with a rented car in roughly half a day. If you have spare time between two tourist attractions, are fed-up with the museum in crowdy downtown Berlin, have enjoyed nightlife extensively and are a birdwatcher, you might be interested to know, where you can find good places to enjoy fresh air and relax with birding for typical European birds. One of these sites are some fish ponds just 60km south-west of Berlin Mitte.
The Reckahner Teiche (Reckahner ponds) are situated just south of the A2 near the city of Brandenburg. Yes, there is a city called Brandenburg and a state called Brandenburg.
The area is some kind of a reminiscence of the Nature Reserve Wagbachniederung, which is composed of remnants of original reeds and scattered meadows, an abandoned gravel pit, and for the most part from sewage and sludge ponds from a former sugar factory in Waghaeusel. Like Wagbachniederung, the lagoons of the Reckahner Teiche contain a very rich organic soup which nourishes abundant insect life. The site is especially attractive to migrating waders. The NSG Reckahner Teiche extent to 80 hectares in size.
The NSG is an important stopover for shorebirds and other migratory birds. The area is a breeding site of roughly 100 bird species. Approx. 160 bird species have been observed there – including some vagrant species which are very rare in Germany. One of these mega birds was a Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius), which occurred in September 2010. Fall and spring are the best times to visit. You might observe
The fish ponds are still managed. But for managed ponds the Reckahner ponds have some extensive reed belts. Various types of warblers (Acrocephalus sp.), Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) and Bearded Tits (Panurus biarmicus) inhabit the reed. Waterbirds are using the area as their resting and gathering grounds. A driveway on a raised causeway leads through the area and provides excellent opportunities to experience the bird life. The ponds and shallow waters offer a variety of dabbling – and diving ducks. Waders (shorebirds), which have been become rare in the western parts of Germany such as Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) breed in the wetlands. Many birds of prey, such as Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Red Kite (Milvus milvus), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and European Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) are nesting in the area, too.
In addition to the waders, rails might be your target species for the area as well. Get up early in the morning in late summer and pay patience. A movement in the areas with cattails (Typha sp.), should catch your attention. At least on quite a regular basis, Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana) are encountered as well as Water Rails (Rallus aquaticus) in the area. Had I but so smitten? A little later I had certainty. Unique 2 spotted crakes (Porzana porzana). Sometimes you can see adult individuals and their offspring as well.
Local conservationists and ornithologists are very concerned on the breeding situation not only for the Spotted Crakes but also for the Water Rail and other birds bound to these habitat types such as the Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius). For several years, significant stock declines are recorded which are due to propagating Raccoons (Procyon lotor). This small animal despoils the nests and does not disdain the older birds as well.
Throughout the NSG can be observed from lanes. Access to the best areas is prohibited, and access is strictly on the lanes only. But the observation opportunities are abundant and the reed beds and the open waters hold lots of birds. One big problem with the whole area in the summer should not be neglected. These are the mosquitoes and it is recommended that visitors use a strong insect repellent.
There are other places in nearer surroundings but access is a bit tricky. Please contact via the contact form if I can give further directions or even guide you!